Wolves could save the lynx

Although cats and dogs are often represented as enemies, the endangered Canadian lynx may have to rely on wolves for their species to survive.

The main reason for the fall in the Canadian lynx population is the decline in numbers of the snowshoe hare. These hares are the main prey of the lynx, but coyotes find them quite tasty as well, and coyote numbers have increased in recent years.

The surge in the coyote population in North America is down to the huge drop in the numbers of wolves. Wolves will kill coyotes, but also keep them out of certain areas because the coyotes are scared of wolves. Scientists call this the ‘ecology of fear’.

The good news for the endangered lynx is that wolf populations are slowly recovering in many areas of the USA and Canada. This is thanks to the animals being reintroduced, as well as hunting bans.

We’ve reported before on how wolf populations can help to control the numbers of deer and elk, which then helps to limit the damage to trees and vegetation caused by these creatures. Now, a study published in Wildlife Society Bulletin has described how wolves seem to be helping to keep coyote numbers down and increase the populations of snowshoe hares.

Scientists hope that the situation in Canada will be like that of Yellowstone National Park in the US, where an increase in wolves has cut coyote numbers by half.

You can see some more of the amazing Canadian lynx (and their HUGE paws!) in the video below.

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